Integrin beta2-chain (CD18) over-expression on CD4+ T cells and monocytes after ischemia/reperfusion in patients undergoing primary percutaneous revascularization

beta2-integrin subunit (CD18) plays an essential role in leukocyte recruitment and adhesion in sites of endothelial injury. We analyzed the surface expression of CD18 on T lymphocytes and monocytes in a series of patients presenting acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) for coronary artery revascularization. We found that basal CD18 expression on peripheral blood-derived CD4+ (but not CD8+) T lymphocytes was significantly increased in ACS patients as compared with age-matched healthy volunteers. During primary PCI, a significant increase in CD18 molecule density was detected immediately after balloon deflation (reperfusion) on both CD4+ T cells and monocytes obtained from the right atrium (RT) as compared with basal values. These data suggest that upregulation of CD18 molecules plays an important role in local recruitment of CD4+ T cells and monocytes to the site of endothelial damage after ischemia/reperfusion, therefore being responsible, at least in part, for the inflammatory-mediated complications associated with primary PCI.